With the pandemic QR code its use has become more widespread than ever before. This technology, whose origins date back to the 1990s, was of course used frequently before the pandemic. However, after the epidemic, all businesses, especially restaurants and markets, switched to QR codes to minimize physical contact with customers.
Now, almost every restaurant has a QR code instead of a menu booklet, and it is possible to order over the phone via this code. However, hackers, who took advantage of the ease of use and prevalence of QR codes, began to exploit this technology. Cyber security experts talked about the precautions to be taken against a possible fraud.
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They can even steal your financial information with a QR code.
According to experts, the new favorite of hackers: QR codes. Angel Grant, Vice President of Security at security company F5, explained in his statement that whenever a new technology emerges, cybercriminals ask “how do we take advantage of it?” He said they were starting to think.
This is especially true when people know how to use it, but in technologies such as QR code, which he does not know how it works Angel Grant stated that “it is much easier to manipulate unconscious people in such situations”.
Malicious QR codes according to the transmitted information directly cannot harm you. So when you scan with your phone, downloading malware etc. in the background. they cannot make transactions. However, they may redirect you to misleading websites. For example, the QR code you use to pay your debt to a business can open a website that asks for your bank information but is unrelated to that business.
“It is ridiculous to direct people to QR codes online”
Cyber threat analyst Brad Haas believes that QR codes are from the physical world to the online world. told. Pointing out that the use of QR codes in e-mails and internet advertisements has become widespread recently, Haas expressed that he finds this tactic ridiculous.
“There’s no reason anyone should scan a QR code with their phone in an email open on their laptop. Because, thanks to his laptop, that person is already online. Why would it need to connect to a second device?” said Brad Haas, therefore Suspicion of QR code e-mails stated that it should.
Important warnings from experts
Before you scan, consider: Be especially wary of codes posted in public places. Check. If possible, request a hard copy of the document you’re trying to access or type the URL manually. If you are asked for your bank information unnecessarily, do not write it.
Check out the preview before opening the URL: Do not open the URL immediately when scanning a QR code. First, see the preview, check the link structure. If there is something strange (for example if the connection doesn’t have https certificate) Think twice before you open it.
Use password manager: If you come across a malicious QR code, secure password managers detect it and provide the information requested from you on the opened site. does not autofill.